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An illustrated commentary created by Keeper Trout

(That is a bona fideTrichocereus (Echinopsis) pachanoi flower in the header above;
a pachanot is shown below.)

↑ The subject of our conversation ↑

This could become a fairly complex discussion but it is best to start simple and try to keep it that way.

At one point, just to have a fairly short way of referring to it, I started referring to this as Trichocereus pachanoi PC or, sometimes even more lazily as the PC, I did not however coin either one, but I also have some questions so far as regarding this as a bona fidepachanoi so for that, and a couple of reasons that will be touched on later, I will tongue-in-cheek start referring to our beloved horticultural “San Pedro” as Trichocereus pachanot.
The usage of that name in this article is not any suggestion that this either is or should actually become its name, it is simply what I will be using to refer to it here during this look into what I hope will prove to be a fun bit of cactus identification trivia. My other option would be a more subtle pachano but, as Pachano was the proper name of the amazing scientist who was quite deservedly San Pedro’s namesake, pachanot it is.

I also should emphasize that any companies who are selling this plant as Trichocereus pachanoi are not doing anything wrong or being deceptive. This is now the primary horticultural form that is widely known and recognized as pachanoi in the USA. Many amateur cactophiles and professional growers alike are completely unfamiliar with anything else and it takes most people some effort simply to find any of the other forms. It is not clear exactly what percentage of the available horticultural pachanoi in the USA is presently comprised of the pachanot but it is certainly well in excess of 90% and possibly may even be in excess of 99%. In most retail plant outlets it is 100%.

I also intend no slight to this gorgeous plant as the pachanot is one of my all-time favorite flowering cacti.

The questions being posed here are still valid and worthy of some reflection.

The topic revolves around a deceptively simple observation made by Michael S. Smith:
What is most commonly recognized as Trichocereus pachanoi in the USA differs from the published description for Trichocereus pachanoi.

Be the judge for yourself and please enjoy the following illustrated commentaries.

If you would like to download a free PDF copy
of the abridged 2012 original including some edits –Pachanoi or Pachanot? (This pdf file is at DropBox.)

Earlier versions of this PDF were compromised when our former website Largely Accurate Information Media was purchased by someone who linked malware to all of our older links. All previous versions of our PDFs should be destroyed and replaced with new copies. The copies that have been repaired clearly say “Bad links removed” either on the title or the copyright page.

… what a great work! … You’re clearly a bit of a fanatic, in the best, Sasha-sense of that word. Like him, you’re an inveterate cataloger, accumulator and organizer of information, which is just what’s called for in this instance. …When people ask me what is the definitive reference on natural tryptamines, I now know what to tell them. … a most useful addition to my reference shelf!

I… am quite pleased with its usefulness and the extreme Wealth of information you have made available. I am a botanist (read, grad student trying desperately to finish up my PhD) … Keep up the good work!

Anonymous

Thanks for the huge, complete and amazing “Sacred Cacti” second edition. Its much more than I expected to receive. You [haven’t] left anything out, I’m overwhelmed with this enormous work! Congradulations, you’ve done an excellent work! Although I don’t agree with you in your closed defence to drug use, I respect your viewpoint…

… totally professional, scholarly … work. They are going over to the reference shelf in my library, and … will be the place I file bits of information that I happen to uncover. This way…I have a single place to go to get a complete story. How can you…get them out to the public which is thirsty for this kind of detail? They would sell like hotcakes if they were known to be available.